If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, tell your doctor
Posted on 1 Aug 2018

If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, book a doctor’s appointment as it could be a sign of something more serious.

Bladder and kidney cancers affect over 17,000 people in the UK every year, and as the launch of Be Clear On Cancers ‘blood in pee’ campaign begins this week, NHS Warwickshire North Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are reminding people, especially the elderly, to look before they flush.

Bladder and kidney cancers are more treatable if found and treated early. 84% of patients diagnosed with kidney cancer in the early stage lived for five years - which drops to 5% if found at a later stage.

Noticing ‘blood in pee’ is one symptom, but other bladder cancer symptoms include:

Urinary tract infections (cystitis) that are difficult to treat, or come back after treatment

Pain when peeing

Kidney cancer symptoms can also include:

Pain in the side below the ribs that does not go away

Weight loss

Dr Deryth Stevens, at NHS Warwickshire North CCG said: “Your GP will want to know if you have noticed blood in your pee, even if it’s only happened once.

“Blood in your urine can be bright pink, red or dark brown in colour, and chances are it may be nothing serious, but it could be an early sign of cancer and requires a GP appointment straight away.

“Seeing your doctor could save your life if you spot blood in your pee - no matter what age you are.”